Red Cross to Hold Brunch Fund-Raiser

The Orange County chapter of the American Red Cross will hold its ninth annual holiday brunch fund-raiser Sunday at Barbacoa in Newport Beach.

David Wilhelm of West Coast Restaurant Ventures will cater the $50-a-plate Southwestern brunch buffet, and the El Adobe Mariachi Band will provide musical entertainment. The event will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Proceeds from the brunch will support local Red Cross programs such as disaster relief and preparedness, HIV/AIDS education, first-aid and CPR training, water safety instruction, community-based youth programs and assistance for the families of U.S. military personnel.

The menu will include champagne and fresh-squeezed orange juice, Danish and muffins, made-to-order omelets, Belgian waffles and Mexican chilaquiles with black beans.

At the brunch, there will be a silent auction of donated items, including:

* Two round-trip tickets to anywhere in the continental United States.

* Two tickets to the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

* One night at Country Side Inn and Suites, including a full breakfast and Newport Harbor cruise.

* Six tickets to Los Angeles Rams vs. Atlanta Falcons, Dec. 27.

* Game shoes autographed by Rams quarterback Jim Everett.

Reservations for the holiday brunch can be made by calling (714) 835-5381, Ext. 230.